Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 28: Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has decided to install Wi-Fi facilities at IG Park and Forest Park, in a plan aimed at drawing more visitors to the parks.
The proposed technological facelift for the parks was revealed by Ashok N Dhar, BDA chief horticulturist. The parks, near Secretariat and Capital Hospital, are among the biggest parks in the city and witness large footfall on a daily basis. A Request for Proposal (RfP) will be floated by BDA inviting proposals from prospective internet service providers, who can provide the necessary technological support to enable visitors to access the internet, Dhar said. BDA’s proposal has been welcomed by park regulars.
‘’I’m happy to know of the plan, and congratulate BDA for their decision to keep up with changing times. I can now carry out my daily business transactions using my mobile or i-Pad during my jogging time in the park,’’ said Anjan Mohanty, a businessman. He said the Wi-Fi facility will transform parks into more dynamic, cheerful and colourful hangout spots.
Ankit, a college student, said BDA’s plan will surely draw more visitors to the parks, making them popular hangout zones for the youth, but expressed reservations as to how the civic body would manage the rush of internet traffic caused by the large number of users. “The connection would be clogged with a large number of users if it is open to all, and would result in low bandwidth speeds,” Ankit said.
Currently, BDA maintains 60 parks in the city and plans to build 21 more in the current fiscal, said chief horticulturist Dhar. BDA has a full-time staff of 150 workers who are tasked with the daily up-keep of its parks, Dhar added.
